A step backward

The UK has long had an impressive track record of producing successful designers and engineers. Many credit that success to a focus on design within the education system. Significant investments were made in the second half of the 20th Century on design and engineering programs at the University level but more importantly for the last 20 years design and technology has been mandated as part of the core curriculum in high schools. Apparently this is now under threat as the government in the UK reduces spending and alters priorities. A number of influential designers, engineers and business folks, including James Dyson, Paul Smith, Dick Powell and Ian Callum make the argument in this video as to why this is a huge mistake.

Tim Brown

One response to A step backward

Absolutely, let’s have more design in schools, but let’s also encourage the inquiry that leads to really good design by ensuring we solve the right problem.

My first degree was civil engineering and the part I found missing in design both at university and in practice was the thinking that needs to happen before the design actually starts – why are we designing this and who are we doing it for?

I’d love more design in schools, and I would love too see that design is taught from a more strategic place. That we learn to ask more questions before jumping in to find a solution.